Dessie Sawyer was a rancher, philanthropist, and political activist whose work with community and charitable organizations advanced her into politics. She became the National Committee Woman of New Mexico's Democratic Party, and her advocacy of the western way of life was recognized by her induction into the National Cowgirl Hall of Fame in 1981. Her daughter, Fern Sawyer, became a celebrity cowgirl and was the first woman to win the National Cutting Horse world title. She also became the first woman appointed to the State Fair Commission and the State Racing Commission, and she was inducted into the National Cowgirl Hall of Fame in 1976.